The overwhelming number of cases in Herat women shelter from other provinces of the region was the driving force behind VWO’s decision to establish similar shelters in other provinces as well. In October 2012 VWO established women shelter projects in Ghor and Farah provinces with the financial assistance of IDLO/INL through Colombo Plan. Initially funded for two calendar years, the projects hold invaluable importance for the women’s rights issues in the Western region. Both the provinces are extremely backward and under the influence of hardliners where blatant violation of women’s rights is a norm.